Chapter 4: Digging for the News

[Chapter 4: Digging for the News]

Back inside the cabin, Ian saw Kate Beckinsale dressed in his clothes.

In her masculine outfit, Kate looked exceptionally confident, while Ian felt lost in the baggy clothes that belonged to Charlie Mills. He glanced at Kate's abandoned attire, particularly her underwear, and considered whether he should collect them to sell as some kind of memorabilia. He quickly dismissed the idea, realizing it wouldn't be worth the money and might just earn him scorn from a beautiful woman.

Such a rare opportunity to win over a star was worth more than a few bucks.

Kate had tied up her long hair and cast a glance at Charlie Mills's body, visibly disgusted. Turning to Ian, she asked, "Can we leave now?"

"Of course." Ian stepped out onto the deck.

...

As Ian came out, he noticed the boat aimlessly drifting on the water. The dark sky concealed their direction, and with her lack of experience, Kate asked him, "Which way is home?"

Ian smiled. "We have navigation. It's all good."

Kate let out a breath of relief.

Ian made his way to the cockpit and began fiddling with the controls. Kate had no understanding of what he was doing, so she found a chair nearby and sat down next to him.

Gracefully, she hugged her knees and turned her head to look at him, "What kind of journalist are you?"

It was the first time she took a moment to really consider the young man beside her.

With his hands on the wheel, Ian replied casually, "I'm the owner of the Los Angeles Herald."

"An owner? Sorry, I've never heard of your paper."

"It's not much." Ian admitted. "Right now, we're only selling about four thousand copies a day and drowning in debt. Just a day ago, I lost the last fifty grand we had. We can't pay our debts, and we might not even be able to make payroll... we're on the brink of bankruptcy."

He sighed lightly, though he didn't find his situation too dire. After all, he already had a major story on his hands, and he felt like he was slowly clawing his way back up. He thought to himself, I'm here! I see it! I can change it!

Kate looked at Ian, surprised. "I thought you were an accomplished journalist, not in a situation like this!"

Ian chuckled. "Not until tonight."

His gaze turned contemplative as he stared at the water. "Before this, I was just a trust fund kid, indulging in all the luxuries. After my dad passed away, I inherited the Herald, but I've made a mess of it..."

He quietly shared his past.

Although it hadn't been his doing, he couldn't escape the legacy of Ian Carr's foolishness and mistakes. An ex-party boy trying to turn himself around was more appealing, after all. That kind of redemption story resonated well.

Just look at those blockbuster movies; how many of them featured an underdog rising against the odds to save the world?

...

Kate looked at Ian with renewed interest. She had initially thought of him as somewhat ruthless, but with this newfound understanding of his past, there was a sense of sympathy growing within her. Despite his unconventional methods, there was a spark of ambition in him.

She nodded slightly, "Regardless, I owe you my thanks. You saved me, and I wouldn't have made it without you."

"I hope you remember that," Ian replied offhandedly.

Kate frowned, picking up on the odd tone in his voice, unease creeping into her thoughts.

Ian, relaxed at the helm, lit a cigar he'd found on Charlie Mills. He inhaled and exhaled with an air of casual confidence. "You know, good journalism is never just about one story. When a major event occurs, good reporters dig deep and follow the story endlessly. After all, it's rare to come across a big scoop -- when you do, you have to milk it for all it's worth. A single incident isn't just an isolated case; there's always more to uncover."

Kate stared at him in shock, wondering if he was seriously lecturing her on journalism.

What did that even mean?

Ian spat out a bit of his cigar, tossing it aside. "Garbage cigar."

He turned back to Kate with a grin. "For the media, every major story is like an oil well; it has to be thoroughly tapped. For instance, why did Charlie Mills kill those producers? Who hired him? There could be all sorts of backstory there. And who are the buyers?"

Kate was bewildered.

Then it dawned on her.

She shrieked, "Aren't we heading back? Oh my God, you're going to meet the buyers?"

Ian nodded lightly, "Exactly. There's more reporting to be done; we can't miss this chance."

"Wow!!!" Kate was dumbfounded.

She screamed, "You can't do this! You'll put us both in danger!"

Pointing ahead, Ian smiled, "If you don't want to join, I won't force you. I can drop you off before I go. Sorry, but I can't take you back."

As Kate turned in surprise, she saw that the boat was approaching a small dock.

Thank goodness! At least he wasn't dragging her onto the battlefield.

Yet, Ian felt a pang of disappointment for missing out on an opportunity. He had initially intended to have Kate witness the unfolding story -- having a Hollywood star involved would have made for sensational news. But his lingering moral sense held him back.

What a shame!

As a businessman, he recognized that a demanding conscience could be his ceiling -- the higher the moral bar, the less money could be made, and the lower the business's potential.

He thought, I'm still not a good businessman.

But that was okay! He would get better!

...

As he docked the boat, Ian said, "You can go now, but be careful."

Kate stared at Ian in disbelief.

She softly suggested, "You don't have to take such risks, Ian. If you're willing to pass on this adventure, we could grab a drink together instead..."

Her tone held a hint of warmth and temptation.

It felt natural for two young adults who had just faced life and death to retreat to a hotel room right after such an ordeal. Wasn't that how things were supposed to unfold?

And yet, he wanted to chase a news story instead?

Was he even a man anymore?

Ian was very much a man, but he understood that pretty women were always available, while good news wouldn't always present itself.

Pursuing beauty could cost everything, while pursuing wealth could yield everything!

Kate Beckinsale, you would be mine one day!

He wasn't in a hurry!

He docked the boat swiftly and efficiently. Then he grabbed Kate by the hand, leading her to the dock. "I can't miss this opportunity. I need at least a hundred grand to keep the Herald alive!"

"I can give you that!" she offered quickly.

Ian shook his head gently, a smile forming on his face. "Don't underestimate a man's pride, and don't undervalue a seasoned journalist's professionalism."

For the sake of the paper's survival and his own ascendance, Ian knew he couldn't let this chance slip through his fingers.

He had to go after it!

Even if it involved taking a risk!

At that moment, a wave of excitement surged through him -- it was a thrill for the chase.

How fascinating!

Had this transition really changed his mindset?

Or had his dual qualifications as a reporter amplified his professionalism?

As he helped Kate onto the dock, Ian asked, "By the way, can I get your contact information? I believe once the story breaks, we'll need to stay in touch. The police will probably be looking for us too."

Kate took a deep breath, rummaging through her bag to pull out a business card. "Good thing Charlie Mills didn't throw my bag away."

Ian accepted the card, hanging his camera around his neck.

After a moment of thought, he gently wrapped his arms around Kate and pressed a kiss on her soft cheek.

Kate blinked at him, taken aback but not rejecting him.

This man... he was charismatic.

She even found herself hoping for more, but Ian simply smiled and headed back to the boat.

Feeling the warmth he left her with, Kate shouted, "Ian Carr, why do you think you can take on those guys?"

Ian paused, glancing back at her with a confident smile as he raised the Glock in his hand. "Now I have a gun."

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.